SA to move to Alert Level 1, borders to reopen
South Africa will move to Alert Level 1 of the coronavirus
lockdown at midnight this coming Sunday.
In an address to the nation on Wednesday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the move, saying that South Africa had weathered the COVID-19 storm and it was time to , “return our country, it’s people and its economy to a situation that is more normal”.
Among the major changes over the horizon is the opening of international borders, a new curfew (12am-4pm) and an extended limit to social gatherings.
“This move recognises that levels of infection are relatively low and that there is sufficient capacity in our health system to manage the current need,” Ramaphosa said.
“The move to alert level 1 will mean a further easing of restrictions on gatherings. - Social, religious, political and other gatherings will be permitted, as long as the number of people does not exceed 50% of the normal capacity of a venue, up to a maximum of 250 people for indoor gatherings and 500 people for outdoor gatherings,” he added.
Ramaphosa also confirmed that international flights to some countries will be permitted from OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town International Airports.
“In preparation for the re-opening of our borders, South African missions abroad will open for visa applications and all long-term visas will be reinstated,” Ramaphosa said.
“We are ready to open our doors again to the world, and invite travellers to enjoy our mountains, our beaches, our vibrant cities and our wildlife game parks in safety and confidence,” he added.
Listen to the full speech below:
